Letter: Departures not unusual

I am writing in response to the recent stories in the Courier-Journal concerning the departure of a few high-level administrators at the University of Louisville. I take great pride in working at Uof L. I am proud of the extraordinary accomplishments of our faculty and students, our researchers, our athletes and, as would be the case for any chief HR officer, of the thousands of staff employees who stand behind our faculty and students and help make so many of their accomplishments possible.

I have been a chief HR officer for more than 20 years at four different universities — including both public and private institutions. I can offer the observation that U of L exercises significantly more moderation and fiscal restraint in executing settlement agreements than many other higher education institutions. We may long for a 19th century, ivory tower, purist vision of colleges and universities; however, in today’s competitive economic environment with shrinking support for higher education, colleges and universities have been compelled to become more business-oriented.

Sometimes in higher education, just as in business, it is necessary to make good faith, reasonable and cost-effective business decisions as to when a separation agreement serves the overall interests of the university. That doesn’t mean that anyone has done anything wrong, nor does it mean that faculty, administrators or staff have anything to hide as The Courier-Journal has claimed. The early retirement of two top administrators and an executive assistant reported by the CJ will ultimately result in a consolidation of job duties and cost savings for the university.

As the articles accurately pointed out, other universities and businesses reach similar agreements with departing employees because it is good business. Any human resource professional will tell you, personnel decisions can often be delicate. You use your best judgment to do what you think is right for all concerned. I believe that’s exactly what U of L has done in each of these cases and will continue to do.

SAM CONNALLY

Vice President for Human Resources –

University of Louisville –

Louisville 40292 –

Condemn racism

I am personally disgusted and sickened by the racist remarks attributed to Donald Sterling, the owner of the Los Angeles Clippers. If he made the comments, then there should be no place for him in the NBA. Regardless of who made the comments that were recorded, the remarks are despicable. As a local rabbi, I unequivocally condemn any expression or act of racism.

RABBI ROBERT SLOSBERG

Congregation Adath Jeshurun –

Louisville 40205 –

Perfect couple

Last week’s news was a lot of BS: Bundy and Sterling. These two should be married.

ROBERT HOFMANN

Louisville 40205 –

Typical politician

Now we are hearing that Mitch McConnell is bragging about the things he has done in Washington for the people of Kentucky.

I remember just a few years ago he was saying his only job was to make President Obama a one-term president. He wasted federal money just trying to make the president’s agenda from becoming reality. Now he is trying to claim he did all kinds of things for the people of Kentucky.

It must be an election year. He demonstrates a typical politician — do nothing until election time and then brag about everything.